*Note
to Editors: Senator Jay Paul Gumm, (D-Durant) who has long been
the champion of the “Back-to-School” sales tax holiday
in the Oklahoma Legislature, and whose district borders Texas in
southeastern Oklahoma, issued the following statement in regards
to Governor Brad Henry’s signing of the administrative rules
that will govern the operation of Oklahoma’s first ever sales
tax holiday August 3-5.

“For years, we have been fighting this battle to give a
tax cut to Oklahomans that truly values families.

“The Governor’s signature on the administrative rules
that apply to the sales tax holiday sends a clear signal to Oklahoma
retailers and families that we have won that battle and are ready
for the weekend of tax- free shopping that is only a week away.

“Oklahoma retailers –many of them small business on
main streets across this state –will now be on a level playing
field with bordering states like Texas and Missouri—states
already enjoying the benefits of a “Back-To-School”
sales tax holiday.”